Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Practice Exam

What is the recommended action to take if you experience a drive-wheel braking skid?

1. Apply the brakes harder

2. Steer in the direction of the skid

3. Counter steer

4. Shift into a lower gear

The correct answer is: Counter steer

In the event of a drive-wheel braking skid, counter steering is the appropriate maneuver to regain control of the vehicle. When the rear wheels lose traction, the vehicle may start to slide and the front wheels can lose their steering capability. By counter steering, you are effectively steering into the direction of the skid to help realign the vehicle's rear wheels with the front wheels, facilitating recovery from the skid. This technique helps to keep the vehicle balanced and allows it to return to a straight path, reducing the risk of flipping or further skidding into obstacles. Maintaining control during such situations is crucial for safety. While options like applying the brakes harder or shifting into a lower gear may seem instinctive, these actions can exacerbate the skid and further decrease control, leading to more severe problems. Similarly, merely steering in the direction of the skid without counter steering might not provide the necessary correction needed to regain full control of the vehicle.